World Cup Soccer is here! And if, like me, the tickets are outside your price range, join St. John's Park Slope for a couple of outings over the next month ⚽️

The opening match is this Thursday at 3 PM: Mexico vs. South Africa. We’re watching at Three’s Brewing in Gowanus — plenty of space, great atmosphere, and $7 Golden Goal pints all match long. See their graphic below! 🙌

BBQ · Saturday, July 11 · 12:30 PM Join us in the courtyard for one of our famous BBQs. Bring something to grill, a side, or a drink if you can. But come regardless.

Montauk Club Tour · Wednesday, June 17 · 6 PM By popular demand, Manny Albino returns to lead another tour of the Montauk Club. RSVP here. We’ll meet at the club at 6 PM.

Brooklyn Cyclones · Friday, June 26 · 6:40 PM A reminder for everyone who signed up: the game is almost here, and tickets have been purchased for our group. Please email me at ben@parkslopechurch.org to confirm you’re still coming, or to let me know if your plans have changed. If you still (or newly) want in, let me know!

Children & Youth

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26 · Camp DeWolfe A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17. Register here.

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Families with Littles: Email me or Leani

• Pub(lic) Theology: Email me or Matt

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM | Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

I’ve been living with two stories from this Sunday’s Gospel text all week, and I’m still not done.

A woman who has been sick for twelve years doesn’t ask Jesus for help. She just reaches through the crowd for the edge of his garment, from behind, without being seen. He stops. He turns. Before she can say anything, he says: Daughter.

Not healed yet. Claimed first. That’s the order.

Then there are the mourners at a house where a little girl has died. Professionals. People who know death when they see it. When Jesus tells them the girl isn’t dead but sleeping, they laugh at him. They’re not wrong to laugh. They know exactly what they know. They just don’t know who they’re dealing with.

I hope this one will move you. My friend Brendan Nee will give the good word.

See you Sunday,
Ben+

Summer Hangs Are Back

Give St. John’s a Bath Saturday, July 11 — 9 AM to noon | BBQ at 12:30 PM

Since the roof work began, St. John’s has been in desperate need of a bath. Some of us find real joy in seeing the physical results of our labor — especially those of us with jobs that don’t often offer that. If that’s you, or if you’d simply love to see St. John’s spotless, join us at 9 AM. We’ll clean until noon, then join the rest of the congregation in the courtyard for one of our famous BBQs at 12:30 PM.

No need to be at the cleaning to enjoy the BBQ. Bring something to grill, a side, or a drink if you can. But come regardless.

Montauk Club Tour Wednesday, June 17 — 6 PM

By popular demand, Manny Albino returns to lead another tour of the Montauk Club. RSVP here. We’ll meet at the club at 6 PM.

Brooklyn Cyclones Friday, June 26 — 6:40 PM

A quick note for everyone who signed up for our Cyclones outing: the game is right around the corner, and tickets have already been purchased for our group. Please take a moment to email me at ben@parkslopechurch.org to confirm you’re still planning to come. I’ll follow up with everything you need, including how to sort out your ticket.

If your plans have changed and you can no longer make it, please let me know as soon as possible so we can pass your spot along to someone else.

First pitch is at 6:40 PM on Friday, June 26. Looking forward to a great evening together.

Children & Youth

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26 · Camp DeWolfe A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17. Register here.

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Families with Littles: Email me or Leani

• Pub(lic) Theology: Email me or Matt

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM | Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

Some of us are heading to Smorgasburg in Prospect Park after the 10 AM service this Sunday, around 12:30. If you’ve never been, it’s a sprawling outdoor food festival with vendors from all over the city, and it’s one of the great pleasures of a Brooklyn spring. Come find us at Breeze Hill, near the Lincoln Road entrance. If you want to coordinate ahead of time, we’re happy to grab your number.

We’re also celebrating Trinity Sunday at the 10 AM, one of my favorite Sundays to preach. And the final session of What Is Anglicanism meets right after the service.

Hope to see you Sunday, at church, at the park, or both.

Ben+

What Is Anglicanism — Session 5

This Sunday we wrap up What Is Anglicanism. Ten minutes after the service.

Summer Hangs Are Back

Give St. John’s a Bath Saturday, July 12 — 9 AM to noon | BBQ at 12:30 PM

Since the roof work began, St. John’s has been in desperate need of a bath. Some of us find real joy in seeing the physical results of our labor — especially those of us with jobs that don’t often offer that. If that’s you, or if you’d simply love to see St. John’s spotless, join us at 9 AM. We’ll clean until noon, then join the rest of the congregation in the courtyard for one of our famous BBQs at 12:30 PM.

No need to be at the cleaning to enjoy the BBQ. Bring something to grill, a side, or a drink if you can. But come regardless.

Montauk Club Tour Wednesday, June 17 — 6 PM

By popular demand, Manny Albino returns to lead another tour of the Montauk Club. RSVP here. We’ll meet at the club at 6 PM.

Children & Youth

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26 · Camp DeWolfe A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17. Register here.

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Families with Littles: Email me or Leani

• Pub(lic) Theology: Email me or Matt

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM | Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

This Sunday is the Day of Pentecost: the birthday of the multi-ethnic church, the reversal of Babel, and the outpouring of the Spirit of Jesus. He is closer to you now than he could have been to anyone who walked beside him in Galilee.

We’ll celebrate by reading the lessons and Prayers of the People in different languages (the English text will be available), wearing red, and proclaiming that the dividing wall of hostility between us and God and between us and one another has been torn down once and for all. Which means all efforts to rebuild it are futile. So why not quit now?

I’m back in the pulpit after two Sundays away. Many thanks to Kate Salisbury and Bishop Provenzano for filling in.

Grace & Peace,
Ben+

P.S. The Bishop’s visitation and bicentennial party were a blast. Pictures coming soon!

What Is Anglicanism — Session 4
After two weeks off, we're back this Sunday with: The Birth of the Parties — Evangelical Anglicans, Anglo-Catholics, and the Broad Church. See you 10 minutes after the service ends.

Summer Hangs are back

Give St. John’s a Bath Saturday, July 12 — 9 AM to noon,
BBQ 12:30 PM to ???

Since the roof work began, St. John’s has been in desperate need of a bath. Some of us find real joy in seeing the physical results of our labor — especially those of us with jobs that don’t often offer that. If that’s you, or if you’d simply love to see St. John’s spotless, join us at 9 AM. We’ll clean until noon, then join the rest of the congregation in the courtyard for one of our famous BBQs at 12:30 PM

No need to be at the cleaning to enjoy the BBQ. Bring something to grill, a side, or a drink if you can. But come regardless.

Brooklyn Cyclones Night Friday, June 26 — 6:40 PM

LAST CALL: St. John’s is headed to the ballpark. Join us for a relaxed summer evening of baseball, conversation, and time together as a parish. Tickets are limited — RSVP to Rev. Ben right away.

Montauk Club Tour Wednesday, June 17 — 6 PM

By popular demand, Manny Albino returns to lead another tour of the Montauk Club. RSVP here. We’ll meet at the club at 6 PM.

Children & Youth

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe

A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Families with Littles: Email me or Leani

• Pub(lic) Theology: Email me or Matt

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

This Sunday is one of the big ones.

Our diocesan bishop, the Rt. Rev. Lawrence Provenzano, will be with us at St. John’s to celebrate our bicentennial. This will also be one of his final parish visitations before retirement.

During the service, we’ll share in baptisms and confirmations, welcome local elected officials and friends from the wider community, and give thanks to God for the grace that has carried this parish for 200 years.

After the service, the celebration continues with a party.

Hope you’ll join us.
Rev. Ben+

P.S. If you have been considering Confirmation or Reception, please give me your final answer by Wednesday at 5 PM. Thank you!

What Is Anglicanism?

Our five-week journey through the story of Anglicanism is taking a brief pause for the next two Sundays. We’ll return with Session 4 on Sunday, May 24, when we’ll explore the 19th century, including the rise of Evangelical, Broad Church, and Anglo-Catholic movements within Anglicanism.

Brooklyn Cyclones Night

St. John’s is headed to the ballpark!

Join us on Friday, June 26 at 6:40 PM for a relaxed summer evening with the Brooklyn Cyclones: baseball, conversation, and fun together as a parish.

Tickets are limited, so please RSVP right away to Rev. Ben at ben@parkslopechurch.org if you’d like to come.

Children & Youth

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe

A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Families with Littles: Email me or Leani

• Pub(lic) Theology: Email me or Matt

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

We have a special guest preacher this Sunday!

The Rev. Kate Salisbury will be with us this week. Mother Kate serves as Director of Christian Education & Formation at the Mercer School of Theology, where she helps develop resources and opportunities for lay formation across the Diocese. Before joining Mercer, she served as Canon for Christian Education at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City. She brings 20 years of experience in parish life, church schools, and Christian formation, and we are grateful to welcome her to St. John’s.

Bicentennial Party & Episcopal Visitation

Next Sunday, May 17, we celebrate a major moment in the life of St. John’s.

We’ll welcome Bishop Provenzano for his Episcopal Visitation, celebrate Confirmations and Receptions, and give thanks for 200 years of God’s grace in this parish community. It will be a joyful and historic Sunday, and we hope you’ll be part of it.

What Is Anglicanism?

Our five-week journey through the story of Anglicanism is taking a brief pause for the next two Sundays. We’ll return with Session 4 on Sunday, May 24, when we’ll explore the 19th century, including the rise of Evangelical, Broad Church, and Anglo-Catholic movements within Anglicanism.

Brooklyn Cyclones Night

St. John’s is headed to the ballpark!

Join us on Friday, June 26 at 6:40 PM for a relaxed summer evening with the Brooklyn Cyclones: baseball, conversation, and fun together as a parish.

Tickets are limited, so please RSVP right away to Rev. Ben at ben@parkslopechurch.org if you’d like to come.

Children & Youth

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe

A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer

• Families with Littles: Email me or Leani

• Pub(lic) Theology: Email me or Matt

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

Apologies for the extra email this week. I want to correct the start time for Pub(lic) Theology tonight.

We’ll gather at 7 PM, not 7:30 PM, at Finback Brewing in (Gowanus)

All are welcome as we talk together about doubt, faith, deconstruction, return, and curiosity. Details are in the graphic below.

Peace,
Ben+

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

A few things for this week and beyond:

Montauk Club Visit

Have you passed our neighbor up the block, the Montauk Club, and wondered what it’s like on the inside? Wonder no more. On Wednesday, April 29 at 6 PM, one of our parishioners, Manny, will be our guide to that Gilded Age gem.

Please RSVP here, as space is limited.

Pub(lic) Theology is back!

Thursday, April 30th at 7:30 PM
Finback Brewing (Gowanus)

We’re gonna discuss theology that intersects with real life. Join us.

What Is Anglicanism?

This week we enter one of the most dramatic chapters of Anglican history: a time when the monarchy fell, bishops were abolished, and the Prayer Book was suppressed.

Then everything came back—but not without cost.

Session 3 looks at conflict, collapse, Restoration, and the question beneath it all: what remains when the church breaks? (Which doesn’t look all that different from when we break.)

Join us after the 10 AM service.

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

A couple things further afield, but we need to know if you’re coming soon:

Brooklyn Cyclones Night is coming up.

Join us for an evening of summer, baseball, and fun at the ballpark on Friday, June 26 at 6:40 PM.

If you’d like to come, email Rev. Ben at ben@parkslopechurch.org as soon as you can.

Finally, don’t forget that Sunday, May 17 is St. John’s Bicentennial Celebration & Episcopal Visitation. Join us as we welcome Bishop Provanzano, celebrate Confirmations and Receptions, and give thanks for 200 years of grace.

Children & Youth

🕊 Confirmation Classes
Sundays after church

For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs
Sundays · 12–2 PM

For 4th–8th graders
Games, community, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe

A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer

• Families with Littles: Email me or Leani

• Pub(lic) Theology: Email me or Matt

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

St. John's Sermons

At the bottom of this newsletter are the Holy Week photos I promised. I’m so grateful to Dax Anderson for capturing these moments.

First, a few things to share:

What Is Anglicanism? Begins This Sunday

This Sunday, after the 10 AM service, we begin the first of three short courses on What Is Anglicanism? We’ll start with the story of the Episcopal Church, then move to Anglican theology and spirituality.

If you’re planning to be confirmed or received when the Bishop visits, please make every effort to attend. But this class is not just for confirmands. If you’re new to St. John’s, new to the Episcopal Church, or simply curious about this strange and wonderful tradition, I hope you’ll join us.

It won’t just be informative. It will be devotional, too.

Pub(lic) Theology is back!

Thursday, April 30th at 7:30 PM
Finback Brewing (Gowanus)

We’re gonna discuss theology that intersects with real life. Join us.

Brooklyn Cyclones Night is coming up.

Join us for an evening of summer, baseball, and fun at the ballpark on Friday, June 26 at 6:40 PM.

If you’d like to come, email Rev. Ben at ben@parkslopechurch.org as soon as you can.

Montauk Club Visit

Have you passed our neighbor up the block, the Montauk Club, and wondered what it’s like on the inside? Wonder no more. On Wednesday, April 29 at 6 PM, one of our parishioners, Manny, will be our guide to that Gilded Age gem.

Please RSVP here, as space is limited.

And finally, as promised, a few photos from Holy Week. I’m grateful to have these moments preserved, and grateful to Dax Anderson for capturing them so well.

Children & Youth

🕊 Confirmation Classes
Sundays after church

For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs
Sundays · 12–2 PM

For 4th–8th graders
Games, community, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe

A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer

• Families with Littles: Email me or Leani

• Pub(lic) Theology: Email me or Matt

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

And don’t forget: Sunday, May 17 is St. John’s Bicentennial Celebration & Episcopal Visitation. Join us as we welcome Bishop Provanzano, celebrate Confirmations and Receptions, and give thanks for 200 years of grace.

God creates out of nothing. Wonderful, you say. Yes, to be sure, but he does what is still more wonderful: he makes saints out of sinners.

Søren Kierkegaard

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

Happy fourth day of Easter!

Next week, I hope to share lots of photos from Holy Week and Easter Day. Today, though, I want to highlight two things:

1. a new Christian education class,

2. our first all-parish warm-weather outing of the year—we hope. 🤣

Anglicanism is broad enough to confuse people and beautiful enough to keep them.

If St. John’s Park Slope is the only Episcopal church you’ve ever known, you may not realize just how wide the Anglican tent really is. Some churches feel very Catholic and high church. Others feel much more evangelical. Some are more traditional; others more progressive. There is more range here than many people first expect. At its best, Anglicanism is capacious enough to hold together things that do not always sit easily side by side, while still boldly proclaiming “Christ crucified.” Complicated enough for you? 🤣

Beginning Sunday, April 19, after the 10 AM service, we’ll begin the first of three short courses on What Is Anglicanism? We’ll start with the story of the Episcopal Church, and later turn to Anglican theology and spirituality.

If you’re planning to be confirmed when the Bishop visits, please make every effort to attend. But this class is not just for confirmands. If you’re new to St. John’s, new to the Episcopal Church, or simply curious about this strange and wonderful tradition, I hope you’ll join us.

It won’t just be informative. It will be devotional, too.

Summer, baseball, and the Brooklyn Cyclones. Join us for this year’s night at the ballpark on Friday, June 26 at 6:40 PM.
Email Rev. Ben at ben@parkslopechurch.org if you’d like to come.

And stay tuned—there are hikes, BBQs, and other outings and activities coming soon, too.

Reminder:

St. John’s Bicentennial Celebration & Episcopal Visitation

On Sunday, May 17, Bishop Provanzano will join us for a special Episcopal Visitation as we celebrate St. John’s 200th anniversary, including Confirmations and Receptions.

Join us as we give thanks for God’s faithfulness over two centuries, and stay afterward for a festive reception outside and downstairs.

If you’re interested in Confirmation or Reception, please reach out to Rev. Ben, and join us for the class mentioned above!

Children & Youth

🕊 Confirmation Classes

Sundays after church

For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs

Sundays · 12–2 PM

For 4th–8th graders
Games, community, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe
A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer (the lead)

• Families w/ Littles: Email me or Leani

• Pub(lic) Theology: Email me or Matt

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

In matters of God’s grace, hyperboles are understatements

Eugene Peterson

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

Only one thing this week:

The Easter Triduum—the Three Holy Days—begins tonight at 6:30 PM with Maundy Thursday and continues through Easter Day. I hope you will join us for as much of it as you can. All our service times are listed on the graphic below:

If you’d like to help spread the word, please feel free to share the graphic above or use the images below:

For those who would like to attend an Easter Vigil, I’ll be heading to St. Paul’s, Carroll Street for their 7 PM Easter Vigil on Saturday. The bishop who ordained me is preaching, and it would be great to have a St. John’s contingent there.

My hope is simple: that somewhere in these days, you meet Christ again.

Grace & Peace,
Ben+

P.S. BBQs, Hikes, Brooklyn Cyclones & New York Mets games, service projects, Christian Education, Bible Studies, and more restart a week after Holy Week.

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

Look, you’re here, freeing us from our unhappy wandering,
setting us firmly on your track, comforting us and saying,
‘Run the race! I’ll carry you! I’ll carry you clear to the end,
and even at the end, I’ll carry you.

Augustine, Confessions

Our final Lenten Film Series selection is A Hidden Life, Terrence Malick’s beautiful and deeply affecting film about faith, conscience, and the cost of standing fast when the world wants you to bend. Based on a true story, it is a moving portrait of quiet courage and costly obedience.

It is a fitting close to our series as we draw near to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Join us this Thursday at 7 PM at the church. Bring a snack if you’d like. We’ll have alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on hand.

And speaking of the end of Lent: can you believe Palm Sunday is this Sunday? Holy Week is almost here, and our full schedule is below.

And speaking of Palm Sunday: that means the Annual Altar Guild Bake Sale is this Sunday, too!

St. John’s Bicentennial Celebration

St. John’s turns 200 this year, and Bishop Provanzano will be with us to celebrate.

On Sunday, May 17th, he’ll join us for confirmations and receptions to give thanks for all God has done in and through this church over the last two centuries.

Afterward, join us for a festive reception.

If you’re interested in confirmation or reception, please reach out to Rev. Ben.

Children & Youth

🕊 Confirmation Classes

Sundays after church

For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs

Sundays · 12–2 PM

For 4th–8th graders
Games, community, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe
A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer (the lead)

• Families w/ Littles: Email me or Leani

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

Teach me to seek You, and reveal Yourself to me as I seek, because I can neither seek You if You do not teach me how, nor find You unless You reveal Yourself. Let me seek You in desiring You; let me love You in finding You…

I do not try, Lord to attain Your lofty heights, because my understanding is in no way equal to it. But I do desire to understand Your truth a little, that truth that my heart believes and loves. For I do not seek to understand so that I may believe; but believe so that I may understand.

Anselm of Canterbury

Our second Lenten Film Series selection is Perfect Days, a quiet and beautiful film from the great German director Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire, Paris, Texas). Set in Tokyo, it’s a moving film about attention, routine, and the hidden depth of ordinary life.

Join us this Thursday at 7 PM. No need to register. I’ll have alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on hand, and feel free to bring some popcorn if you’d like.

See you soon,
Ben+

St. John’s Bicentennial Celebration & Episcopal Visitation

St. John’s turns 200 this year, and Bishop Provanzano will be with us to celebrate.

On Sunday, May 17th, he’ll join us for a special Episcopal Visitation, including Confirmations and Receptions, as we gather with former rectors, local leaders, parishioners, and friends to give thanks for all God has done in and through this church over the last two centuries.

Most of all, we’ll celebrate the God who was at work in Jesus Christ then, was faithful to St. John’s through 200 years, and is still at work here now.

Afterward, join us for a festive reception outside and downstairs.

If you’re interested in Confirmation or Reception, please reach out to Rev. Ben.

Children & Youth

🕊 Confirmation Classes

Sundays after church

For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs

Sundays · 12–2 PM

For 4th–8th graders
Games, community, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe
A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer (the lead)

• Families w/ Littles: Email me or Leani

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

We’re moving the Lenten Film Series to the church.

Join us tomorrow at 7 PM at St. John’s to watch the Brazilian masterpiece I’m Still Here. No need to register. I’ll have some drinks on hand. If you’d like to bring popcorn, Junior Mints, or Mike & Ikes, knock yourself out!

See you soon!
Ben+

Holy Week

The most important week of the Christian year begins soon.
Join us as we walk the story of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and hope.

Children & Youth

🕊 Confirmation Classes

Sundays after church

For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs

Sundays · 12–2 PM

For 4th–8th graders
Games, community, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events

🎳 Bowling with the Bishops · March 14
Lucky Strike, Mineola · 1–3:30 PM
A gathering for youth and young adults across the diocese.
Today is the last day to register. Click HERE.

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe
A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer (the lead)

• Families w/ Littles: Email me or Leani

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

This Sunday we’re glad to welcome The Rev. Chris Tuttle back to the pulpit at St. John’s Park Slope. He’ll join our acolytes and me at the altar and then open up the story of the Woman at the Well—showing just how alive and relevant it still is.

Should be a good one.

Grace and peace,
Ben+

Everything below is what you received on Monday. Apologies for the extra email this week. I wanted to make sure everyone saw that the Lenten Film Series has been pushed back.

Our Lenten Film Series will begin on Thursday March 12th a 7 PM. We’ll start with the wonderful Brazilian movie I’m Still Here.

Please RSVP so we can plan 🙏

✝️ Stations of the Cross

Sundays after the service

Each week we’ll walk three stations, moving slowly toward Holy Week.
We’ll pray the full Stations on Good Friday at 3 PM.

Holy Week

The most important week of the Christian year begins soon.
Join us as we walk the story of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and hope.

Children & Youth

🕊 Confirmation Classes

Sundays after church

For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs

Sundays · 12–2 PM

For 4th–8th graders
Games, community, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events

🎳 Bowling with the Bishops · March 14
Lucky Strike, Mineola · 1–3:30 PM
A gathering for youth and young adults across the diocese.
Click HERE to register

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe
A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer (the lead)

• Families w/ Littles: Email me or Leani

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

We’re in the thick of Lent, and I want to share a quick update.

Our Lenten Film Series will begin one week later than planned.
This week’s viewing of I’m Still Here is postponed to next Thursday. Thank you for your flexibility.

Here’s what’s ahead:

Lent at St. John’s

🎬 Lent(ish) Film Series

Thursdays at 7 PM

Each week we’ll gather for a film and conversation—at a church or a nearby home, depending on numbers.
Please RSVP so we can plan.

March 12 — I’m Still Here
March 19 — Perfect Days
March 26 — Final film TBD (The Mission, Calvary, or A Hidden Life)

✝️ Stations of the Cross

Sundays after the service

Each week we’ll walk three stations, moving slowly toward Holy Week.
We’ll pray the full Stations on Good Friday at 3 PM.

Holy Week

April 2 — Maundy Thursday · 6:30 PM
April 3 — Good Friday · 12 PM & 6:30 PM
     Stations of the Cross · 3 PM
April 4 — Holy Saturday for Kids · 11 AM

Children & Youth

🕊 Confirmation Classes

Sundays after church

For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs

Sundays · 12–2 PM

For 4th–8th graders
Games, community, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events

🎳 Bowling with the Bishops · March 14
Lucky Strike, Mineola · 1–3:30 PM
A gathering for youth and young adults across the diocese.
Click HERE to register

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe
A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE

Bishop Search

The search for our next Bishop continues.

I invite your prayers, and, if you’re able, your presence at one of the gatherings below.

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer (the lead)

• Families w/ Littles: Email me or Leani

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays — 10 AM
Wednesdays — 12:10 PM

Grace and peace,
Ben+

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

Our All-Parish Nets Game is this Sunday at 3:30 PM at Barclays Center.

We have about 5 tickets left (after adding more to meet demand).
They’re $35.

Email me ASAP if you’d like one. We’d love to have you there.

Lent at St. John’s

Lent(ish) Film Series

Thursdays at 7 PM

We’ll gather for a film and conversation each week—either at the church or a nearby home, depending on numbers. RSVP here so we can plan!

March 5 — I’m Still Here
March 12 — Perfect Days
March 19 — Final film TBD (The Mission, Calvary, or A Hidden Life)

Stations of the Cross

Sundays after the service

Each week we’ll walk three stations, moving slowly toward Holy Week.
We’ll pray the full Stations on Good Friday at 3 PM.

Holy Week

April 2 — Maundy Thursday · 6:30 PM
April 3 — Good Friday · 12 PM & 6:30 PM
     Stations of the Cross · 3 PM
April 4 — Holy Saturday for Kids · 11 AM

Children & Youth

🕊 Confirmation Classes

Sundays after church · begins March 1

For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs

Sundays · 12–2 PM

For 4th–8th graders
Games, community, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events

🎳 Bowling with the Bishops · March 14
Lucky Strike, Mineola · 1–3:30 PM
A spring gathering for youth and young adults from across the diocese.
Click HERE for details and to register.

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE · July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe
A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Register HERE.

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist (Last on Epiphany)

• Adult(ish) Group: Email me or Jennifer (the lead)

• Families w/ Littles: Email me or Leani

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays: 10 AM
Wednesdays: 12:10 PM

Grace and peace,
Ben+

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

Lent is a season where we slow down enough to face what is true and discover that God meets us there.

We begin tomorrow.

Ash Wednesday
Tomorrow — 12:10 & 6:30 PM

Come as you are.

Here are a few ways we’ll walk the season together:

Stations of the Cross
Sundays after the service

Each week we’ll walk three stations, moving slowly toward Holy Week.
We will pray the full Stations on Good Friday at 3 PM.

Lent(ish) Film Series
Thursdays at 7 PM

March 5 — I’m Still Here
March 12 — Perfect Days
March 19 — (final film TBD: The Mission, Calvary, or A Hidden Life)

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday — 6:30 PM
Good Friday — 12 PM & 6:30 PM (Stations of the Cross 3 PM)

Coming Up

🏀 All-Parish Nets Game
Sun., March 1 | 3:30 PM
📍 Barclays Center

Tickets are $35 and we’re sitting together.
Contact Micah to join.

Children & Youth

Parish events:

🍞 First Communion Classes

We’re grateful to all who were part of our First Communion classes.
They will receive Communion this Sunday.

🕊 Confirmation Classes

Sundays after church · begins March 1
For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

🍕 Youth Hangs | Sundays from 12-2pm

For 4th–8th graders
Games, time together, and space to grow in faith
Bring a friend

Diocesan Events:

🎳 Bowling with the Bishops | March 14
Lucky Strike, Mineola · 1–3:30 PM

A spring gathering for youth and young adults from across the diocese.
Click HERE for details and to register.

🏕️ Camp ELEVATE | July 23–26
Camp DeWolfe

A weekend of fun, friendship, and deepening faith for ages 10–17.
Registration is open — Register HERE.

Diocesan Offerings for Adults and Youth

Email me for more info!

This Week & Beyond

Sunday School
During the 10 AM service

Wednesday Study
After the noon Eucharist

Adult(ish)
Email Jennifer

Families with Littles
Email Leani

Evening Prayer (Zoom)
Sundays at 5:30 PM — Click here to join

🕊 Worship

Sundays: 10 AM
Wednesdays: 12:10 PM

Grace and peace,
Ben+

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

Lent is near.

This Sunday is the Last Sunday After Epiphany, which means we’ll burn last year’s palms in the courtyard after the service. If you’ve kept your palm leaves from Palm Sunday, bring them with you. The ashes will be used for Ash Wednesday, which is next week.

Ash Wednesday services will be at 12:10 PM and 6:30 PM.

If you’re looking for something to read during the season, here are a few suggestions:

Recommended Reading

• The Imitation of Christ — Thomas à Kempis

• The Screwtape Letters — C.S. Lewis

• Eat This Book — Eugene Peterson

Matt Fleck and I are also putting together a Lenten film series.
More on that next week.

Coming Up

🍻 Pub(lic) Theology
TONIGHT., Feb. 12 | 7 PM
📍 Finback Brewery (Gowanus)
Spring begins with a big question: Can faith transform us?
Email Matt for details.

🏀 All-Parish Nets Game
Sun., March 1 | 3:30 PM
📍 Barclays Center
Tickets are $35 and we’re sitting together.
Contact Micah to join.

Bishop Candidates Meet & Greet

St. John’s Park Slope, along every parish of the diocese, will vote for the Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island on April 18th.

Meet & Greet sessions will take place March 9–14, offering clergy and laity the opportunity to engage directly with the nominees through prayerful conversation and moderated Q&A.

The diocese is inviting parishes to submit questions in advance.
If you have a question you’d like considered, you can submit them here.

Children & Youth

🍞 First Communion Classes

Sundays after church · through Feb. 22
For children ages 6+ (parents encouraged).
First Communion will be celebrated Feb. 22.
Email Chelsy with questions.

🕊 Confirmation Classes

Sundays after church · begins March 1
For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist (Last on Epiphany)

• Adult(ish): Email Jennifer

• Families w/ Littles: Email Leani

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays: 10 AM
Wednesdays: 12:10 PM

Grace and peace,
Ben+

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons

This Sunday, we’re making a day of it.

We’ll gather for worship at 10 AM, and then, later that evening, we’ll gather again for an all-parish Super Bowl watch party.

Micah Goldston has generously reserved his building’s theater at 1042 Atlantic Ave for us to watch together on the big screen. Whether you’re here for the football, the halftime show, the commercials, or just the joy of being together, you’re warmly welcome.

Kickoff: 6:30 PM

We’ll bring pizza. You’re invited to bring whatever says “Super Bowl” to you. If you’re able, please bring a drink too (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). And if you can only bring yourself (and a friend), please do.

Come as you are. Stay as long as you like.

Let me know if you’re planning to come so we can plan accordingly. I’d love to see you there.

Coming Up

🍻 Pub(lic) Theology
Thurs., Feb. 12 | 7 PM
📍 Finback Brewery (Gowanus)
Spring begins with a big question: Can faith transform us?
Email Matt for details.

🏀 All-Parish Hang II: Nets Game
Sun., March 1 | 3:30 PM
📍 Barclays Center
Tickets are $35 and we’re sitting together.
Contact Micah to join.

Parish Life

🔥 Ham Jam Recap
Last Saturday’s Ham Jam was a blast. Great food, great turnout, lots of joy:

Children & Youth

First Communion Classes
Sundays after church · through Feb. 22
For children ages 6+ (parents encouraged).
First Communion will be celebrated Feb. 22.
Email Chelsy with questions.

Confirmation Classes
Sundays after church · begins March 1
For youth ages 14+ (exceptions possible).
Reach out if you’d like to talk.

This Week & Beyond

• Sunday School: During the 10 AM service

• Wednesday Study: After the noon Eucharist (Rutledge, chs. 5-6)

• Adult(ish): Email Jennifer

• Families w/ Littles: Email Leani

• Evening Prayer on Zoom: Sundays at 5:30 PM. Click here to join.

🕊 Worship

Sundays: 10 AM
Wednesdays: 12:10 PM

Grace and peace,
Ben+

Rev. Ben's Weekly Devotional

St. John's Sermons